Ῥωμαϊκός

Rhōmaïkós

G4513

SILEX Entry

Definition

Pertaining to Rome or the Romans; Roman, relating to Roman customs, practices, or the Latin (Roman) language. In context, often used to specify things of Roman origin or character, such as the Roman language (Latin), law, or customs.

Semantic Range

Roman, relating to Rome or Romans, pertaining to the Latin (Roman) language, pertaining to Roman customs or law, Latin

Root / Etymology

From Ῥωμαῖος (Rhōmaios, 'Roman') plus the adjectival suffix -ικός, forming adjectives meaning 'pertaining to' the noun. Cognate with adjectival forms in other Greek ethnica (e.g., Ἑλληνικός 'Greek').

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in Hellenistic and Roman period Greek, mainly in writings related to governance, law, customs, and language of the Roman Empire. Used in contexts where distinction was required between Roman (Ῥωμαϊκός) versus Hellenistic or local (e.g., Ἑλληνικός for Greek) elements. In the New Testament (e.g., John 19:20), references to ῥωμαϊκὴ γράμμασι mean the Roman (Latin) language, as opposed to Greek or Aramaic. English translations have often rendered the term 'Latin,' but the sense is 'Roman,' referring to language or things associated with Rome. Outside of biblical texts, the term frequently occurs in administrative, legal, and cultural discourse to indicate Roman institutions, law, or the Latin language as distinct from other languages and cultures within the empire. The semantic nuance centers on Roman identity, practices, or language without implying political citizenship (for which Ῥωμαῖος is used).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Ῥωμαῖος; Romaic, i.e. Latin:--Latin.

Root Family

Ῥωμαϊκ- (Rhōmaïkós) — pertaining to Rome, Roman, Latin

Root Ῥωμαϊκ- pertaining to Rome, Roman, Latin

Word Forms

0 distinct forms

No word forms found for this Strong's number.

Occurrences in Scripture

0 occurrences

No occurrences found.